Hampshire Cricket has appointed former Ireland coach Adrian Birrell as its new first team manager.

The former South Africa assistant coach is the current Paarl Rocks Head Coach – who has enjoyed a successful spell leading his side to the knockout stages of the inaugural South African Mzansi Super League.

He has joined on a three-year-deal following the departure of Craig White in October.

The former Ireland and England U19 Head Coach enjoyed a 13-year first-class playing career with Eastern Province and County Districts in his native South Africa, before moving into coaching in 1997.

After working with the South Africa U19 side and for Eastern Province as head coach from 1999, the former all-rounder was appointed Ireland's head coach in 2002.

Birrell led Ireland for five years, during which they gained a place in the top ten of the ICC World Rankings and also included a successful 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, in which they reached the Super Eight stage.

The 57 year-old became England U19 Head Coach in 2010, before joining South Africa’s coaching set-up under Russell Domingo, filling the role of assistant coach from 2013 until 2017.

He was appointed at Paarl Rocks earlier this year.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said: “Adi is someone who is well respected throughout the cricketing world and has a reputation for improving individual and team performance.

"He brings experience, a sense of enjoyment and a genuine passion for the game and the people that play it - I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Adrian Birrell said: “I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as the Hampshire first team manager.

"While I was with the Proteas, we played at the Ageas Bowl in 2017 and I was very impressed with the world-class facilities.

"I am very excited to be working with such a talented group of cricketers and look forward to competing for honours in all three formats - it is a wonderful opportunity for me personally and I can't wait to get started in the new year.”

Birrell will join up with the Hampshire squad in March, leading the squad during their pre-season tour and friendly matches.